Allison's Great SWAT Adventure

Sure, I know, it’s a day away from writing, a day away from the kids, a day away from email, but somebody has to make the sacrifice, and because I wouldn’t want to force this on anyone else, I stepped up to the plate.

I volunteered to be a victim. Yes this is my foot.

Ouch

This was my second role playing adventure. About five weeks ago, I participated in a tactical training as a “bad guy”–or, more accurately, as the white trash wife of a drunk pedophile who was harboring his cousin the pimp and the pimp’s underage girlfriend in the house. I learned a lot from the day–and even picked up the term “Mental Muscle” from my new pal in the Air Force, Tyler, who played “Billy” the pimp. It’s a phrase I’ve already used in ORIGINAL SIN, I loved it that much. (Basically, you practice and drill and run exercises until you can do it right the first time, on “instinct” and without hesitation.)

Yesterday’s drill was far more extensive than my first time. And for me, as a writer, it was even more valuable than the first.

Descending upon the former McClellan Air Force Base in Sacramento, California were seventeen SWAT teams from local law enforcement in Northern California. Run by the FBI and supervised by FBI SWAT Leader (and all around great guy) Brian Jones and run by the joint task force. (I believe this because the SWAT officers supervising the drills were from both the FBI and other law enforcement. But however they did it, it was very well orchestrated.) The teams were there for extra training, and could pick four of eight realistic scenarios (such as a sniper, officer down, and my drill–a school shooting.)

Just to set the stage: there were 250 SWAT guys in 17 teams, plus about 30 running the drills and 20 of us as “role players.” Role players come from interns in law enforcement, students in criminal justice classes, and people like me, graduates of the FBI citizens academy.

My scenario was a school shooting. I was a non-ambulatory but stable victim. Others had more serious injuries, or less serious injuries. The purpose of the drill was to put SWAT in a real-life, real-time situation (without real ammunition–they use paint pellets, but they hurt I’ve been told!) in order to train with “real” victims. One trainer said that role players are invaluable because when they run situations like this with just a shooter, once the shooter is down, they’re done. In real life, there is far more going on–clearing the scene, triage, civilian panic, etc. So the drill was two part–secure the scene, then deal with the victims until EMT arrives. SWAT is not extensively trained in triage, though many SWAT members are former military or have some basic medic experience. But handling a downed soldier is far different than a panicked civilian.

We were staged at various positions throughout the “school.” There were serious (abdomen) injuries and less serious injuries. And my pal Larry had a small “boo-boo” on his face that he declared loudly and often was bleeding and he needed medical attention now. I was placed in a doorway where I had a visual of a girl being “gunned down” as SWAT rounded the corner. I was told to scream until I was hoarse, and that if anyone touched my injured leg I was to scream in pain. Only two SWAT teams of the six actually touched the wound (and yes, I did scream in “pain.”)

As a side note, every SWAT team is a bit different in how they approach the scene and, for my purposes, how they handled triage. Two teams actually bandaged my GSW in the field with gauze and tape. One put a tourniquet around my thigh, but didn’t touch the wound itself (so I didn’t scream at him.) Two teams had me put pressure on my wound with my hand. One got me up quickly and into a staging room within the “school” (as opposed to the medic staging area outside the “school”) and had me sit until everyone with more serious injuries were dealt with. Of the six teams, two secured a room for victims, and four took the victims from the scene starting with ambulatory, then moving to non-ambulatory–most serious injuries first.

Triage after area is secure

Okay, another aside–hands down, if you’re ever held hostage in Northern California, you want Citrus Heights SWAT to be in charge of your rescue. Though I was the last victim to be removed from the scene, it was the smartest move (in my opinion) because I had a non-lethal injury. They were fast, they knew what they were doing, and they WERE IN CHARGE. They did not hesitate, they lit the shooter up, they quickly cleared the rooms (ALL the rooms) and assessed injuries without debate. Kudos to them! (All the teams did well, but this one just stood out head and shoulders above the rest. The last team that did the drill was above average as well, but I don’t remember who they were. It was late.)

How does playing these games help me as a writer? I know it’s not real, so while I’m excited and have a shot of adrenaline when gunfire ensues, it’s hard for me to know exactly how I would react in a real situation because my mind knows it’s not real. The only hint of what I’d really do (if I wasn’t given a verbal “script” to follow) would be to hide. When the first gunshot rang out, my instant reaction was to crawl into the room I was blocking and curl up in the corner. Make yourself a small target. But then I thought, what if someone I loved was injured? I think back to my oldest daughter’s surgery when she was two and I realize I would probably do what I did then–be a big girl, calm, collected, in charge, and then when I knew she was okay, break down in tears.

But the point is, everyone reacts different to the stimulus–not only the victims (some compliant, some panicked; minor injuries and major injuries)–but the SWAT teams. As a writer, the most valuable part of the exercise was not the scenario itself (though that was the most fun and the most exciting!) but the walk-through. After the drill, the trainers walk through with the team and ask them what they were thinking, why they did this or that, how they decided which formation or tactic to use, etc. As a role-player, I got to listen in to the conversations and heard first hand what they were thinking and why they did what they did. What’s running through their mind has me thinking what runs through the minds of my characters when placed in hostile or dangerous situations. These are trained cops–they are not idiots. They know what they’re doing. But sometimes they hesitate because of things we might not think about.

Such as liability. Two of the teams mentioned liability as a point of hesitation in firing upon the shooter. Because if he survives, he may sue. And if he doesn’t survive, his next of kin may sue.

I really had to think about that. I asked about it, and one true story that emerged related to an EMT unit. They were sued because they didn’t tend to a severely injured suspect during a shooting–where the scene was still hot–and instead tended to a downed officer. The suspect died and the next of kin sued saying the EMT should have treated them on scene. Fortunately, the case was dismissed because the code says that if a suspect has not been searched and cuffed, EMT are not required to give medical attention. And because the scene was hot (meaning there were still bad guys out there) there was no way for law enforcement to get to the suspect, search and secure him, and get him to the EMT in a safe zone. Considering that a bad guy might have a gun, might take a hostage, and was seen shooting a cop . . . well, the rule makes sense.

There are a lot of gray areas. Do you shoot a guy who’s holding a gun to his head? Do you leave the wounded in order to secure a scene? When do you shoot and when do you hesitate? SWAT is trained extensively on knowing how to identify the bad guys, but today one civilian was shot (grazed) because he pulled out his cell phone as SWAT came through the main doors.

We all know cops who are assholes. Who wear authority like a right to be worshipped. Some should be forced to resign because they give the majority of good cops a bad name. But watching them in action you realize that the choices they face on a daily basis might give them the right to a little bravado. They face life and death choices every day. In traffic stops that far too often go bad. In school shootings where they are facing victims and shooters who could be the same age as their own children. In robberies, car jackings, break-ins, kidnappings, rapes and murders. They’re the ones who tell a mother her son was killed; they’re the ones who step into a hostile domestic violence situation to try to diffuse it; they’re the ones who usually are first on scene at an accident or murder. They are not only responsible to keep themselves alive, but their partner. Not just their partner, but other cops. Not just other cops, but innocent by-standers. The rights of criminals are–rightfully–protected by our Constitution. But cops deserve the same rights and consideration as the bad guys. And, frankly, a little bit more. They’re putting themselves on the front lines to protect people like us, to protect our rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. And in doing that, many are shot, killed, disabled. So I’ve cut them a little slack when I see the attitude, because honestly? They deserve it.

Next up, I’m going to Quantico in September. I could tell you it’s research for the Lucy Kincaid series (which it is) but I had the trip planned before I sold the series, so it’s also because I think it’s going to be a blast. I can hardly wait!

Now, to be perfectly selfish . . . CUTTING EDGE went on sale this week. This is the third book in my FBI Trilogy and the spark of the idea came from the domestic terrorism presentation during the FBI Citizens Academy. A special agent discussed a case he worked where there was an FBI informant in a domestic terrorist cell (eco-terrorism) and his respect and admiration for the informant really hit me. It got me wondering why would someone become an informant? Who are they? What do they grow up to do? Who do they become? How does it affect them . . . not just being an informant, but betraying people they know and care about? What, if any, life-long repercussions are there? And asking myself those questions, I came up with Special Agent Nora English.

AMAZING! I would have been scared out of my wits even in a training scenario! You are one gutsy woman! The things we do four our art! But what a great learning experience. And obviously doing this kind of thing gives you tremendous insight and inspiration. Kudos to you! And thank you for giving us a citizen insider’s look at how tough it is to be a cop and how hard they work to train to be good ones! ;D

What a great read! It sounds so exciting and brings up so many “what if’s” that I hadn’t considered before. How fun you got to experience it first hand for some serious insight. I’m all kinds of jealous! Thanks for the photos and this article on it. Loved reading it!

No need to get jealous, I was the only author there . . . but there are citizens academies all over the country. Anyone can put their name in (though usually you need a reference from either law enforcement or a graduate.) I don’t know what other places do drills with civilian role players, but I’m sure it’s in many places. So you, too can play with the SWAT guys! 😉

I worked for the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics for 13 years. During that time, I dealt with competent cops, stupid cops, foolish cops, but only one who I wouldn’t want watching my back. I know how hard cops in general train. I’m glad you got to be a part of it. On the other hand, I’m jealous, because I never got to take part in anything that sounded as exciting as that.

Hi Nikki! What a great testament, and well said. You could probably do it with your background and not go through the academy, you should check around. We had one volunteer with Sac PD. She works in the office, but since volunteers generally go through basic background checks, she could run the drills, too. (I think that’s why they like the citizens academy grads because we all had to go through background checks. Whew, I squeaked by!)

Yep, I did it all for research. There was absolutely nothing else I got out of it, I really hated having fit men in uniform carry me from the building, but we all have to make sacrifices for our novels.

By the way, we’ll be doing some role playing at next year’s Writers Police Academy.

Last year, at the WPA, I took a writer along in a high speed pursuit. Literary agent Verna Dreisbach and I played the part of the fleeing felons, and our poor unsuspecting writer/conference attendee was in the backseat. We passed a marked police car (pretending to be drunk – whooping it up with radio blasting) and I floored it when the officers pulled in behind us and turned on the blue lights and siren.

Our passenger had no idea that we were going to do this. I glanced in the rear view mirror and saw that her eyes were wide, her mouth was open, and she was squealing like a little kid on a roller coaster.

Anyway, at the end of the pursuit, the officer got us out of the car at gun point and handcuffed each of us.

Our passenger said it was one of the best times of her life. AND, it helped her with a scene in her book.

Allison, I was just torn up over how much you SUFFERED being around all of those incredibly fit guys with their SWAT expertise. Seriously, I don’t think I can let you suffer like that any more, because as your true friend, I would step in and suffer for you. SEE HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU? I know, I know, I am just too giving. It’s a curse.

Toni, I couldn’t possibly let you suffer in my stead. That would just be cruel. Truly, I’m willing to do all the suffering so you don’t have to. Honestly, I owe you so much I can’t let you take my pain. Really.

Allison I’m on pins and needles waiting for word that I’ve been accepted to the SF area FBI citizens academy commencing this fall (all indicators look positive, should get the official word in a couple of weeks). When i spoke with the agent who put my name in the hat and I told him why I was so interested and mentioned you were one of many civilians used during their training he invited me to participate in the SF field office sponsored training sessions. I said, “Of course! I’ll be your Huckleberry!” I think it’s an incredible hands on tool. I can’t wait!

I’m so jealous! I never got to really play in the law enforcement simulations, but I did my share of planning and participating in the FAA/NTSB plane crash scenarios when I was with the airport FD. Then again, I had my share of real life incidents, including the OKC bombing and the F-8 tornado. Still, dudette! How much fun! 😛

Hey Silver! Thanks 🙂 . . . you did fun stuff (and not so fun stuff!) I would have fun just watching from the catwalk, which I did for a couple of the scenarios last time. But it’s really different perspective being on the ground. This is why I get so frustrated with the whiners who become Monday Morning Quarterbacks in analyzing police response. Sure, if we all had 24 hours to think and run through scenarios we could probably figure out the best way to handle a situation, but most cops have only a few seconds to assess and respond.

Wow, Allison! Really a very cool post, and what a great experience. My closest brushes with anything similar happened during the years I was a newspaper reporter and got a little closer than I should have to some of the action, but I think that hearing the discussions following the exercise would be invaluable from an author’s perspective. Very neat. Thanks for such a fascinating post.

Wow! What a great opportunity. My Girl Scout troop played the victims for a ski patrol advanced first aid training. Was a good experience for them and very interesting. By the way, we were in Sacramento, stationed at McClellan AFB at the time. Small world: ) Getting an opportunity to participate in these types of trainings is a good experience. As you said, it gives you a different perspective and a better appreciation of those who hold these jobs. My one big opportunity to participate in training didn’t happen. My husband was at Squadron Officers’ School and they had a serious obstacle course. They decided to let the wives try it. I was 8 1/2 months pregnant and the size of a blimp, so no go. They decided to let the wives go again, a week after I delivered our daughter. I lost out again. The others had a great time, mostly, falling and crawling through the mud and climbing or trying to over the walls.
I’m jealous of your research.

Wednesday was a great day! It would have been nice to watch the exercise from the catwalk at least once. I think you would have got a different perspective. Kingman took pictures from up above the last round and said it was cool to see it from that angle. He said he saw Marsha running around in circles screaming for somebody to take care of her daughter. The last team that went through was from South Lake Tahoe. One of the guys picked me up and carried me halfway down the hall until he was told that I should be carried by two guys so he put me down and two of them moved me to the triage center. That guy was my hero! Larry said he was taken away with severe back pains. LOL. You know what it’s like to spend a day with Larry. 🙂 I can’t wait to do it again!!

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Allison Brennan

Allison Brennan is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of nearly three dozen romantic thrillers and mysteries, including the Lucy Kincaid series and the Max Revere series. She lives in Northern California with her husband, five children, and assorted pets.